2005 annuaL rePort - Concordia Language Villages

Never too old
at the Concordia Language Villages, language immersion doesn’t
end at age 18. Quite the contrary, adult immersion programs flourish
at the Villages. For some, it’s a way to brush up on skills for traveling
abroad.
“Many participants are planning a trip to norway and come to us first,”
says Kari Berit gustafson, leader of the norwegian adult and Elderhostel
programs.
Leader of the French adult programs, François Fouquerel, adds that
immersion programs motivate some adults to return to school and pursue
a degree in language.
Berit finds that adults often have a preconceived idea that language
learning is difficult for adults. the Village experience switches that
notion to action and fun. the intentional mix of conversation time,
language lessons and activities provide opportunities to use language.
adults also appreciate the retreat facility in the north Woods.
“it puts you in a very relaxed setting,” says Karla Wagner, Minneapolis,
Minn., a german and norwegian program participant. “You are away
from your normal responsibilities and can focus on immersing yourself
in language and culture.”
the adult programs connect learners from all corners of the united
states and Canada who share a passion for language and culture.
they build lasting friendships.
“i’ve found,” Karla says, “that i enjoy coming back and visiting with a
number of fascinating people whom i would never have met otherwise.”
left: Elderhostel programs welcome around 70 participants every year
to the Villages.
inset: Adult French program participants explore the nuances of
French-speaking African cultures.
A complete listing of all the adult language and cultural immersion
programs, including a number of new language offerings,
can be found online at www.ConcordiaLanguageVillages.org.
ConCordia Language ViLLages